DOWNLOAD OUR NEW RECORDINGS: The Ladies Auxiliary Ukulele Orchestra just put the finishing touches on a three song recording. You can support us by downloading our songs at Bandcamp.com.

MATTHEW WANGEMAN: I wanted to introduce you to my friend Matthew Wangeman. Several years ago I was invited to curate a presentation for the Disabilities Studies program at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. In between each amazing stories told by students about themselves and their victories, I was honored to present a few of my songs. I met a blind woman who had lost her sight because of diabetes and swam from San Francisco to Alcatraz. I met a Para-Olympic athlete who competed in tennis and owned a yogurt shop in town. It was one of the most inspiring programs I’ve ever been fortunate to be part of. While putting things together, I had e-mail contact with the participants but was unable to meet any of them until the actual evening. The final presenter was Professor Matthew Wangeman. Because of Cerebral Palsy, he has been a wheelchair user since childhood. Professor Wangeman did not focus on his disability but on his normalcy. I had saved my song “Normal’s Just a Setting on the Washing Machine” for last, without knowing the content of Matthew’s speech! One of the things he talked most about was his son Elijah, the pride and joy of his life. Recently, he asked me to let you know about a short film he released. I’m thrilled to share “My Dad Matthew” with you.

ARTIST EDUCATOR: Most of you know that I often go to schools to talk about my family’s emigration from Germany in 1940, during WWII. This year, I presented again at Monument Valley Middle School in Great Barrington, MA, Grand Canyon School in Grand Canyon, AZ, Mount Anthony High School in Bennington, VT, and just added Herberg Middle School to the list. Drop me a line if you know a school or teacher that would be interested in hosting this presentation

IRELAND: UPCOMING FOR SEPTEMBER 2020! Stay tuned for exact dates! We’ll visit castles from the middle ages and learn about the geological and religious history of Ireland. We’ll kayak under the stars in Skibbereen, visiting with phosphorescence and fairies, and we’ll participate in concerts, Irish pub sessions and a private music party. Drop me a line at blewis@williams.edu if you’re interested in our next trip.

GRAND CANYON RAFT TRIP: SOLD OUT! Let me know if you’d like to join the waiting list for this trip, which takes place April 27 – May 6, 2020. This is truly a “Bucket List” adventure! We spend ten days rafting the length of the canyon, starting at Lee’s Ferry and pulling out at Diamond Creek.